by Ivy Jordan
“So this is it then?” I asked.
Hailey looked at her sister, as well, waiting for an answer. Mandy turned towards her sister and said, “I want it. I absolutely love it!”
The two started jumping up and down and squealing with excitement. I couldn’t help but laugh at the scene before me.
“I guess that’s a yes, then.”
“Yes, yes, yes!” they screamed.
I left the two of them to squeal together and went to talk to the landlord. I told him to send the paperwork to my office, and I would have it filled out for Mandy. Mandy came up behind me and asked the landlord how much she had to put down. He knew she was only staying for a few months and told her to just pay the first month and then again on the 1st of each month.
“I can cover this, Mandy.”
“Absolutely not. You are already doing so much for my sister. I’m here for support; that’s not your responsibility. Besides, I would be paying rent no matter where I lived. But thank you for the offer.”
I nodded and turned to find Hailey watching us. She had a smile on her face, and I liked the fact that she was happy. It occurred to me suddenly that I could really enjoy having Hailey around if I let myself really get involved with her. I hadn’t thought about it before.
The thought of having a girlfriend had always sounded suffocating, but things were different with Hailey – she was an incredible woman and a lot of fun to be around. Maybe things could be real between us, after all. I wondered as I stared at her whether she would be willing to be my girlfriend in every sense of the word.
As my eyes trailed up her body to her face, I felt a strong desire for her. If we were together, then surely sex would be part of the equation, and I would love nothing more than to bring Hailey into my bedroom. I was sure that the two of us would be fire together in the bedroom, how much hotter could things get?
“I everything okay?” she asked.
I shook the thoughts out of my head, realizing I had been living my own fantasy while she had been staring at me. I had to stop thinking of Hailey as my real girlfriend – she was just there for a job, and the last thing I needed to do at that point was to fuck anything up.
If I upset Hailey in any way, she could easily leave and never come back. Then I would be up shit creek without a girlfriend, and I didn’t even want to have that conversation with Aria. She would kill me; she was already pretty happy with the way things were going and the publicity involved with the relationship so far. She would not be happy to find out that I really hit on Hailey and she got upset and went home. Aria would chalk me up to being a playboy and wash her hands of me.
“Yes, sure. Sorry, I was in my little own world for a bit there. Your sister seems pretty happy about the apartment.”
She laughed, “Yeah, it doesn’t take much to get her excited. It’s a nice place, though. Thank you so much for doing this; I know you are really busy these days, so I do appreciate it. You know you could have just sent Matt to help me; he doesn’t seem to mind doing things for you.”
I frowned. Yeah, that was the last thing that I wanted to do. “Yeah, I know. He’s a good guy and always there when I need him. I wanted to help you out though, and I really should be the one to do it; you are my girlfriend, after all,” I said with a wink.
Smiling, she agreed, “Yes, I am.”
Mandy returned to us. “Well, that’s that. I’m ready to move in. I’m so happy that it’s furnished so nicely. That way we can just leave our stuff in storage in Georgia and just bring the essentials.”
“Yeah it’s a nice place,” Hailey added.
“What do you say we all go to the estate and I can grill us up some food, and we can have some beer? I’ll call Matt and see if he wants to join us, as well.”
“That sounds amazing,” Hailey said, and Mandy nodded with her.
“Great, let’s go.”
Mandy locked up her new apartment and we all headed back to the car. As the ladies were getting inside, I started to rub my temples. I felt a headache coming on. I suddenly regretted inviting the girls over as I wanted to lie down for a bit. I quickly sent Matt a text message to let him know what we were doing that evening and to come over if he was free. He returned my text after a few minutes to let me know that he was in.
It was a half hour drive from the city to my parents’ home, and the girls had chatted the entire time. By the time we arrived, I had a full-blown headache on my hands. Matt had yet to arrive so I could probably lie down for twenty minutes to get rid of the headache before he arrived. If I didn’t try, then I was going to be terrible company for the girls.
When we got inside, we all headed out to the back patio where the pool was.
“I’m going to have to excuse myself for about twenty minutes, ladies, and lie down.”
Mandy looked confused, while Hailey looked concerned. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just got hit with a bit of a headache, and I thought if I took something and lay down for twenty minutes until Matt arrived, then I would feel better for the rest of the night. I know it’s terrible manners, but can you forgive me?”
She laughed, “Of course, go lie down. We’ll be fine. You get rid of that headache.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it. You girls go ahead and go swimming. There are extra swimsuits in the pool house, and you will find beer in the fridge in the pool house.”
“Thanks, we’ll definitely make use of all that while you’re away. I think you are just having bad-boy withdrawals,” she said, laughing.
I laughed, too; she was probably right. I walked away feeling bad that I was leaving them, but I knew I had to try to get rid of the headache or I would ruin their night.
Chapter Eighteen
Hailey
Mandy and I had on new bathing suits from the pool house and were slipping into the cool water of the pool. It was the perfect temperature for the warm evening. I couldn’t believe how many new bathing suits were in the pool house. They were all different sizes and all brand new.
It was funny that they had everything they needed for unexpected guests. What a world to live in when it was nothing to have clothing just sitting there available for guests – cost was not an issue at all for these people. Half the time I could barely afford a new bikini, and yet in Caleb’s life, it was nothing to just have some on hand to give away.
Mandy and I were having a great time chatting in the pool and drinking ice-cold beer. We had no interest in swimming around the pool; we were just lingering in the shallow end talking.
“I can’t believe you are going to be living here. It’s amazing. The house alone... Who lives like this?”
“You read my mind,” I laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing. A pool house full of bathing suits. It’s crazy. I have never seen anything like it. It’s like a dream come true, and yet it’s everyday life for him.”
“Well, I think it’s just so beautiful, the grounds especially,” she said as we looked out into the landscaped property. She was right; it was all so stunning. I wondered how often they went out onto their property or if they just admired it from the house. I made a decision that when I did move into the house, I would come out and walk the property myself and see what it was all about.
“Yeah, I agree. The whole place is really something else. It’ll be my home for a little while, so that will be hard to get used to, for sure.”
“You deserve it though, Hailey; you work so hard. I know it’s not the gig you were looking for, but at least it’s a fun one. You are getting paid to sit in a pool drinking beer right now.”
I laughed, “Yeah, I guess you are right. I just wanted something on TV so badly, or even a small-budget movie. Something to just get me started in the right direction.”
“It will happen for you. I promise.”
I smiled at her; she always had my back no matter what, and I was grateful to have her there with me. I don’t know what I would do without her. I took a sip of my beer and thought about the n
ext few months. It was definitely going to be an interesting time. Caleb hadn’t really lined out what he expected of me in regards to appearances. I wasn’t sure if I would be at the tournaments or what other events I would be expected to attend. I would need to sit down and discuss that with him, so I had a solid understanding of my duties.
“You know what else is beautiful?”
I turned to her as I took another sip of my beer. “What’s that?”
“That man of yours. Oh, my God. How do you even stand to be around him?”
I giggled, “I know, right? He’s beyond good looking – he must have been born in a test tube or something. He’s too perfect. For the record, though, he isn’t mine. It’s all just pretend.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. But still, what’s it like to kiss him?”
I thought about it for a moment, remembering the times that he had kissed me, and I smiled. “It’s nice. I mean, it’s not like we have gotten hot and heavy or anything. He hasn’t even French kissed me yet. But it’s nice. I have to admit, it’s kind of uncomfortable for me. Yes, he’s dreamy, but it’s not like it’s a real date. There’s nothing between us, so it’s hard to get into a kiss that you know isn’t real.”
“Really? Why?”
“Because it’s not real,” I said with a laugh. “How many times have you heard actors say in interviews that sex scenes and kissing are weird with their co-stars? It’s awkward and uncomfortable because you don’t know that person. It’s not like a first date when you expect romance. It’s all fake, so it’s hard to get into it. You pretend you’re into it, but you know it’s not real.”
Mandy nodded. “I see. Well I sure wouldn’t mind.”
“Trust me: you would. If it was real, then I could really appreciate it. But he’s doing it all for show, and that makes in boring.”
“I guess I can see where you’re coming from. Just enjoy it for what it is then, a fun gig.”
“Oh, I plan on it. And, you never know, it might open new doors for me because if nothing else, I will get a lot of exposure.”
“That’s true; you never know what could come out of it.”
“It’s a fun gig, and it’s only for a few months. Everything is paid for, and I get to live in a dream house. It’s not really something I should be complaining about. I will have enough money to finally move to a nice apartment in LA. That’s where I’ve always wanted to go to pursue acting, and at the very least, this gig will allow me to do that.”
“So, you’re really going to do it? Move to LA?”
“Yes, I think so. That’s the best place for an actor to go, right? And, what’s this me business? You’re not going to come with me? Who’s going to write all those Hollywood screenplays?”
“I guess I might as well. What’s for me in Georgia if you aren’t there? I can work anywhere, right? So, let’s do it.”
“That’s awesome. Now I’m even more excited about it.”
“Hey, ladies!” We turned around to find Matt walking out onto the patio. Another handsome man who must have some seriously perfect genes. Where do these guys come from? Miami sure knows how to pump out some attractive men.
“Hi, Matt! Long time no see. This is my sister, Mandy.”
He bent down towards the pool and held his hand out for her to shake it. She took it as he said, “It’s nice to meet you, Mandy. You two look nothing alike.”
I laughed, “Yeah we get that a lot.”
Matt looked around. “Where is the man of the hour?”
“He went to lie down, actually.”
“You’re kidding me?” he said, laughing.
“Nope, he said he had a really bad headache. Maybe everything is starting to get to him.”
“Well, I need to go get him up.”
“No, leave him. Let’s get dinner started and then I’ll go get him.”
He nodded. “Okay, sure. I’m going to change in the pool house and then grab a beer.”
Mandy and I got out of the pool and dried ourselves off. “Another cute guy,” she stated.
I nodded, smiling. “Miami is full of them.”
Matt came back out of the pool house holding a beer and approached us. “So, I hear you got yourself an apartment, Mandy. That’s great news.”
“Yes, it is. Now I can make sure you two guys don’t corrupt my sister.”
He laughed, “We would never. She’s here to keep us in line, and she’s been doing a great job with Caleb so far.”
I smiled. “It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.”
The three of us got on famously together; it was like we had known each other for years. Matt was so easygoing that it was natural to get into a joking spirit with him. He made everything fun, and I had felt comfortable with him right from the beginning.
“So, what’s for dinner?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea.”
“Okay, Hailey, you go get Caleb up, and Mandy and I will go see if we can find some steaks.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I grabbed a wrap and put it around my waist as I made my way into the house. The other two followed me, and they went in the direction of the kitchen. I headed upstairs to where the bedrooms were. After going to three bedrooms, I finally found Caleb in the fourth.
I snuck into his room and walked up to the bed. He had the bedside light still on, and I looked down at him. He didn’t even get under the covers; he just laid down on top in just his shorts. I looked over his body until I came to his handsome face.
God, he is so hot! I just wanted to stare in appreciation for hours. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if he was actually my boyfriend. How lucky would I feel to be on the arm of a guy that hot? It was a crying shame that he wasn’t into dating because it was sad that a body like that and a face so handsome should go to waste on a bunch of one-night stands.
Just then his eyes opened, and he stared at me standing there watching him. A smile broke out on his face as he rubbed his eyes. “Were you just standing there watching me sleep, you creeper?” he said, laughing. “I have to say, I’m flattered.”
I felt my face burning as I smiled down at him, rolling my eyes. “Oh, get over yourself. I was just making sure you didn’t die in your sleep. Matt is here, and he’s making dinner. So, get your lazy butt up now.”
“Oh, but I would much rather stay in bed and have you watch me.”
I stuck my tongue out at him. “You need to come help with dinner. How is your headache?”
He sat up in bed. “All gone, actually. I really needed that nap.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better.”
He got up from the bed and ran his hands through his hair. He looked even better all rumpled like that on the bed. “I’ll be down in a minute. I just want to get cleaned up.”
“No problem. I will see you down there.”
I turned then and left him on the bed. I was so embarrassed that he had caught me staring at him. What was I thinking going in there and admiring him? I should have just called his name from the hallway. My face still felt hot with the embarrassment of him catching me. I just couldn’t help but look at him; he was so handsome.
I needed to be careful. I couldn’t fall for a guy like that. Many women had already fallen for that idiot, according to what social media posts have said. I’d read enough about him to know what his background with women was like and I wasn’t about to let myself fall into the same trap as they had. Other girls may have fallen for his good looks and charm, but I wasn’t about to be one of them.
I made my way back downstairs and joined Mandy and Matt on the patio where they were putting thick steaks on the grill. They looked delicious and very expensive. They had put together baked potatoes and a salad to go along with it. All in all, it looked great.
“We thought we had lost you,” Matt said with a wink.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. I just woke him from the dead; he’ll be down in a minute. He is feeling better, though.”
“That’s
good,” Mandy said.
“Hey, guys!” We all turned to find Caleb behind us, looking refreshed. “Matt, good man on the steaks; they look amazing.”
“No problem. Since when do you take naps?”
Everyone laughed, “I guess this good boy routine is really starting to take effect on me now.”
“Don’t let it take you over, man.”
I laughed, and Caleb looked at me and smiled. “So, are we ready to get this party started or what?”
Chapter Nineteen
Caleb
Coming downstairs from my nap was an awakening experience. It was weird coming out onto the patio and seeing the three of them interacting like they had always been friends. It was a great scene to walk into, and an unusual one at that.
Matt and I never had that much fun with girls before, and we usually wanted rid of them shortly after our needs were met. But the scene on the patio was a unique one because everyone got along as if they had been friends forever. Mandy had just gotten there, and it was as if she had been a member of the gang all along. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I was grateful that my parents were away for a few days. It gave Hailey and me the privacy we needed to get to know each other better. I knew it would be awkward once my parents came home and were introduced to her. I hoped that my father wouldn’t be too weird about it since he was the one who had found that agency that hired her.
All in all, I just hoped that my parents stayed out of the way. The situation didn’t need to get more uncomfortable than it already was. Things were starting to get better for Hailey and me, in the sense that we were becoming friends instead of just working together. That made the situation a lot better for both of us. My parents could really make things awkward if they wanted to, especially my mother, who had the tendency to gush when there was a girl in my presence.
Matt was at the grill cooking up some delicious steaks while Mandy made a salad. The smell in the air was incredible, and it was nice to have everyone together for a meal.
Hailey went to retrieve everyone another beer, and for me, it would be my first. I could catch up easily though, that wasn’t a problem. I had been drinking for quite some time, and these guys wouldn’t be able to out drink me on their best days. Well, maybe Matt could, but that was because we had been drinking together since we were kids. A couple of dudes just out enjoying life together. There was no need for any acting at the house; everyone could just be their own selves.
